Steelers coach eager to evaluate team in action

LATROBE, Pa. — Mike Tomlin has stressed simulating game situations in his second training camp with Pittsburgh, and on Friday the Steelers coach will be glad he won’t have to simulate anymore.

The Steelers play their first preseason game at home against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Tomlin will see if the time spent practicing “situational football” over the first weeks of camp will pay off.

“We’re spending time working on all the situations that are involved in football that define football teams,” Tomlin said. “When you turn on highlight shows and you see highlight reels that summarize games, it’s situational football. Be it third-down plays, red zone plays, goal-line plays, two-minute.

“We’re focused on those elements of our game because hopefully if we’re good in those areas, it will give us a chance to be great.”

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The annual goal-line drills are a fan favorite and have drawn the most publicity this summer at Saint Vincent College. Tomlin called out rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall when the first-round pick failed to get into the end zone Sunday. But the second-year coach devotes practice time to other simulated game situations.

That includes mock third-and-long and two-minute drills with the offense pitted against the defense.

“We’re trying to develop the makeup that’s going be our playing personality we desire to have, which is a tough, hardened football team that’s good at situational football,” Tomlin said.

In his final news conference before the game, Tomlin said Wednesday that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would start Friday but “probably not play more than one series.” Roethlisberger has been hampered by a groin injury the last week.

Safeties Troy Polamalu and Anthony Smith, nose tackle Casey Hampton and tight end Cody Boyd are not expected to play for the Steelers on Friday.

Former Pro Bowlers Polamalu (hamstring) and Hampton (overweight) remain on the physically unable to perform list, where they have been the entire camp. Smith also has a groin injury, and Boyd a shoulder ailment.

Other than punter Daniel Sepulveda, who was scheduled for season-ending knee surgery Wednesday, Tomlin said he expects all other players to see action in the preseason opener.

“We’re getting where we need to be,” Tomlin said. “We’ll know more about our team Friday night, and we’re looking forward to that.”